Last week was definitely an emotional one for the Humboldt Broncos.
The team saw its season come to an end in game four of its Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Wild Card playoff series against the Weyburn Red Wings. Humboldt went 24-25-5-2 during the regular season and surged during the last month or so of the season to capture the eighth playoff spot. The Red Wings finished a spot behind in the regular season standings.
A few days after the playoff loss, the Broncos held their annual Year End Awards Banquet at the Humboldt Legion Hall on March 14. Gray Marr, who received six awards, and several other players were recognized for their various contributions to the squad.
“I think any of these guys would give any of these awards up to be playing right now,” Humboldt head coach Ryan Smith said.
The coach, in his first year leading the Broncos, said he was disappointed they were unable to go further. However, he said the next season for the proud franchise starts now. Recruitment and scouting for the new SJHL bantam draft in early June is already under way.
The team will be holding a spring camp on April 23-26 in Humboldt. Smith expects about 80 to 120 players, from draft eligible youngsters to 18-year-olds, from all over western Canada to attend. It is an opportunity to evaluate possible draft picks, look for late bloomers, and check in on list players.
Year End Awards
Marr received half a dozen awards in recognition of what he meant to the Broncos this past season. The 19-year-old forward led the team with 42 points, including 10 goals, in 52 games. The assistant captain was also an important leader by example.
“For me, with Gray Marr, he’s the ultimate competitor,” Smith said. “There is no second gear in Gray. It is full bore every day … He wants to get better. He is a really team-oriented guy. He plays as hard as he can every shift.”
Marr was named the Conexus Credit Union Most Valued Player (MVP) and the Humboldt Co-op Hardest Worker. He also received the Coach’s Award and the Quality Tire 3 Star Award (Home). For his statistical accomplishments, the 5-foot-7, 173-pound player was named the Colony Motor Products Top Scorer and the Universal Sports Plus/Minus Leader.
“All he does is work hard,” Smith said. “There is no secret to his success.”
Marr’s regular linemate, Humboldt’s own Jarrett Fontaine, received a pair of awards. The 5-foot-6, 165-pound forward was voted the Home Hardware Fan Favourite. Fontaine played a fast, all-out style of hockey and finished third on the team with 34 points and a team-high 17 goals. The 19-year-old assistant captain also received the Elgar Petersen Award for contributions on and off the ice.
Drake’s Joshua Bergen received Roger Neilsen Hockey Ministries Award, which is presented to a player who best displays fair play and dedication to the game of hockey. Smith said the Bergen is a down-to-earth, team-first player who plays a hard yet fair brand of hockey.
“He’s a really good person to have around the team,” said Smith of Bergen, who played both forward and defence as an 18-year-old.
Corey Dambrauskas, an 18-year-old defenceman, received the Dr. Gerry Rooney Award as the team’s playoff MVP. He also picked up the Dr. Terry Henning Award as the most improved player.
“His whole game rose,” Smith said of Damrauskas’ playoff performance. “His skating was better. He blocked shots. He made some really good decisions with the puck … He really elevated his game.”
Captain Anthony Kapele, a 19-year-old from Edmonton, received the Parobec Fitness Award for his fitness level and how he takes care of his body. Fellow blue liner Ashton McLeod, a 20-year-old from Claresholm, was the winner of the Alphonse Krakowka Memorial Award for being the top defensive defenceman.
Greg Moro was tabbed as the Pioneer Hotel Offensive Defenceman award winner and the Rona Most Dedicated Player. The 19-year-old from Edmonton finished fourth on the team with 27 points.
Goaltender Jack Romanuik, a 20-year-old from Melfort, received the 107.5 Bolt FM 3 Star Award (road). Forward Stu Symenuk, a 19-year-old forward from Saskatoon, was named the winner of the 5 West Car & Truck Wash Unsung Hero Award.
Matthew Kenney was the Hergott Farm Equipment Rookie of the Year. The 18-year-old from London, Ont. finished second on the team with 36 points. The creative scorer was also second in the SJHL in rookie scoring.
Playoffs
The Broncos’ playoff run ended in a 3-1 road loss to Weyburn in game four. Humboldt was victorious in the first game of the Wild Card series, but the Red Wings won the next three to triumph 3-1. Weyburn advanced to play the SJHL regular season champion Melfort Mustangs.
Smith said the Broncos struggled to score during the series. After scoring four goals in the first game, Humboldt managed to light the lamp just twice in the final three. The Broncos never had a five-on-five goal.
“We felt we outplayed them in games three and four and just couldn’t score,” Smith said.
The head coach was proud of the fight his players showed in the final game of the series.
“Our guys battled … We didn’t want our season to be over. That was clear.”
Trevor Posch scored for the Broncos. Romanuik recorded 20 saves.
The Broncos outshot Weyburn, 38-23. Jack Burgart made 37 saves for the Red Wings. Scoring for Weyburn were Brendan McKay, Matt Eng, and Jacob Jeske.
